Written Answers Nos. 518-537
518. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to expand the accommodation recognition payment scheme to include properties which are owned by a trust or a charity and currently fall outside the qualifying criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8820/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Accommodation Recognition Payment, provided under the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, is a tax-free monthly payment available to those providing accommodation to Ukrainians who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive since March 2022. The rate of payment doubled from €400 per property per month to €800 with effect from 1 December 2022. The scheme is administered by the Department of Social Protection.
The payment is a recognition of the generosity of people who have made accommodation available to victims of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
There are no plans at present to amend the legislation to include properties that fall outside the eligibility criteria provided for under section 6 the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022.
The Scheme is due to end on 31 March 2023. The EU has extended the protections provided to those fleeing the war in Ukraine under the Temporary Protection Directive to the end of March 2024. In accordance with the governing legislation, I intend to make an Order to extend the scheme to the end of March 2024.
519. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of the supports that his Department has provided for Ukraine and for Ukrainian people since February 2022, whether in Ukraine or within the State; the number of people supported, where relevant; the estimated cost and value of the support where available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8861/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, my Department continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on meeting the immediate accommodation needs of those fleeing the war.
My Department is focused on the short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 75,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 55,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
In excess of 720 contracts are in operation to provide accommodation to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Currently contracted accommodation capacity at present comes to approximately 43,000 beds in hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, hostels, self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
In sourcing and securing accommodation, the central consideration is the safety and security of the displaced people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
People across Ireland have opened up their homes to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The Government is particularly appreciative of this offer of solidarity from people across the country. My Department partnered with the Irish Red Cross in provided various supports and acted as a centralised point of information to all stakeholders and linked the IRC and other supporting non-governmental organisations to local authorities for the assessment and matching of beneficiaries to shared properties.
The number of properties allocated by my Department to implementing partners for matching since April 2022 is approximately 11,000. To date, 6,530 beneficiaries have been matched to over 2,700 pledge properties. Furthermore, over €14mn has been paid out to over 6,000 applicants in respect of approximately 12,000 temporary protection beneficiaries as part of the Accommodation Recognition Payment Scheme.
Significant attempts are underway to match the remaining pledges with beneficiaries. The IRC will resume ownership of all operational aspects relating to activation of shared pledges in 2023.
My Department are collaborating with the OPW in supporting the delivery of the rapid build homes programme.
The Government has approved the construction of 700 rapid build homes with the potential to house up to 2,800 individuals in family units. The rapid build homes will be constructed on state owned lands. My Department is collaborating with the OPW on the project with the aim of installing 500 units by March/April this year.
The rapid build homes will provide a more sustainable accommodation approach. Homes will be highly energy efficient, durable units with a sixty-year lifespan. The development of the sites will be conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure that post-development the site will enhance the local area. All the sites will have roads, footpaths, street lighting and community facilities including a playground and green spaces.
After a programme of engagement with public representatives and local authorities, work has begun on the first phase of sites in Cork, Cavan, Claremorris, Mallow and Thurles. Additional sites will come on-stream in time following the completion of suitability assessment works and further engagement.
My Department continues to work with other departments and agencies in ensuring that any additional resources needed are in place at the relevant locations.
Accommodating over 55,000 beneficiaries requires close coordination and engagement in terms of service and supports provisioning. Within my Department, we established a dedicated Ukraine Response Division. The majority of the unit comprising 150 staff have moved from within the Department. The Division also includes new staff and those seconded from other Departments and Agencies including the recent additions of staff from the HSE and the Department of Education.
Upon arrival at the Citywest Transit Hub (CWTH), officials from the Department of Justice and the Department of Social Protection are present to engage with displaced persons fleeing the war in Ukraine. Special arrangements have been made for displaced persons fleeing the war in Ukraine so they do not need to apply for a PPSN online. Instead, individuals are able to apply directly at the CWTH at this early stage. Alternatively, provision has been made for displaced persons who have not arrived through Dublin Airport to apply for a PPSN at local INTREO/Branch Offices.
Respect for fundamental rights is embedded into the design of the Citywest Transit Hub. Basic human needs are immediately attended to such as food, shelter and safety Three meals per day and 600 bed spaces are made available in the transit hub to those seeking refuge in Ireland. In accordance with the United Nations Convention on Human Rights and the general principle of non-discrimination, all people are treated equally.
My Department has taken the lead in implementing and monitoring the implementation of a child safeguarding statement, which is in operation in the Citywest Transit Hub. Together with Tusla who have a full time on-site officer, we are committed to ensuring the necessary safeguards and child protection measures are in operation in line with the provisions of the Children First Act 2015.
Prioritising those most vulnerable including women and children has been a guiding principle throughout and has been consistently applied when allocating accommodation. Maintaining the family unit has been central and accommodation has been provided with this concern to the fore. Families have been kept together and accommodated in same settings i.e. family rooms. In numerous instances, family reunifications have been provided fort to reunite and accommodate families in single accommodation centres in the same location.
My Department in partnership with the Department of Defence and Defence Forces personnel has secured additional temporary accommodation facilities providing shelter to 320 persons fleeing the war at Gormanston in 2022 and currently 130 persons in Kilbride.
My Department in partnership with the higher education sector sourced and allocated accommodation for approximately 5,000 beneficiaries during the summer months in 2022. My Department also managed the transition to alternative accommodation settings in advance of the resumption of the academic year.
My Department has also drafting multiple policies to support BOTPs and providers concerning various accommodation related matters. These include a child safeguarding statement, an anti-social behaviour policy, a refusals policy, an absence policy and a pets policy.
My Department is in regular contact with all the relevant stakeholders to facilitate the provision of supports and services to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. This includes the Local Authorities who have stood up the Community Response Forum locally, which brings together organisations, statutory bodies such as Tusla and the HSE, and volunteers at a local level to link services to those that need them.
The role of the Community Response Forum is to provide a co-ordination point for the community and voluntary response in their area. Supplementing the supports and services being provided by government agencies a local level, the fora provide for communication and information sharing in the coordination of local community and voluntary actions in providing community supports to the new Ukrainian communities. Through the efforts of local volunteers, community workers, public bodies and private sector contributions, many recent arrivals are being supported with basic needs such as clothing, access to the internet, transport, English classes and information on how to access local services such as childcare, healthcare and education.
In addition, my Department has regular engagement with NGOs working in this sector. They have been supportive and we are committed to continued cooperation and collaboration.
The Early Years Division in my Department has taken responsibility for a number of actions supporting Ukrainain parents and children, allowing them to access preschool and ensuring children’s wellbeing. These actions have included the development and translation of introductory information on the Irish early learning and care sector.
My Department undertook a capacity analysis which identified vacant preschool places and additional early childhood and education (ECCE) places were created. Information on the access and inclusion model for children with disabilities accessing preschool has been translated into both Ukrainian and Russian. Tusla has also put additional staff into its services around educational welfare too in order to support the work of linking students to school places.
Other supports provided by my Department extend to include:
- Over 500 stay and play sessions for parents and young children in accommodation centres and other venues.
- Providing access to the National Childcare Scheme
- Providing access to AIM supports for children with additional needs
- Additional funding (€75k) to support local community groups to engage with Ukrainain families
- Extending the parent and Toddler scheme to include Buggy Walking Groups
- Developing CPD courses and supports for early years’ educators including supports for trauma informed practice in collaboration with Barnardos.
More recently and as agreed by Government, my Department is contributing to the work of the Accommodation Working Group, chaired by Conn Murray, former CEO Limerick County Council, which has been established to support my Department, Department of Housing and Local Authorities in the agile delivery of accommodation required, including the refurbishment programme.
My Department has recently introduced a new accommodation offer management process as part of our commitment to system process improvement. The objective is to simplify and create greater efficiencies in the offer management process, thereby streamlining and improving the offer review process in facilitating the timely acquisition and provision of all suitable available accommodation for beneficiaries. My Department continues to innovate where it can in terms of assisting those seeking shelter.
Officials from my Department will continue to engage with the Department of the Taoiseach, which has responsibility for chairing an all of Government Senior Officials Group (SOG), which meets regularly to consider and review matters relating to the accommodation needs and requirements of those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Regarding specific costs, the outturn for my Department in 2022 was €522mn. The spend includes the cost of directly accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection, costs associated with the Citywest Transit Hub, funding to Local Authorities to p;rovide emergency accommodation, capital funding towards rapid build homes, Tusla and Early Years costs associated with Ukrainian beneficiaries, pledged accommodation costs and other costs arising such as IT and transport costs.
520. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of discrimination cases taken and won against his Department over the past ten years, under each of the grounds as applicable, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8902/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere were no discrimination cases taken against my Department in the last 10 years.
521. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of craft apprentices registered to date in 2023 under the action plan for apprenticeships; if he will provide a breakdown of new registrations by trade; the number of female registrations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8639/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraProgramme and gender breakdown figures are compiled by SOLAS on a monthly basis. The number of craft apprentices registered by end of January 2023, including a breakdown by trade and gender, is attached.
Please note that where there are less than 5 individuals registered on a programme, the precise total is not provided, to protect individuals' identities. The overall figure provided, however, is exact.
|
Apprentice Registrations (End of January 2023) |
January |
|
|
Pre 2016 Trades |
Male |
Female |
|
Construction |
155 |
<5 |
|
Brick and Stonelaying |
2 |
|
|
Cabinet Making |
||
|
Carpentry and Joinery |
62 |
<5 |
|
Painting and Decorating |
1 |
|
|
Plastering |
2 |
|
|
Plumbing |
72 |
|
|
Stonecutting and Stonemasonry |
||
|
Wood Manufacturing and Finishing |
16 |
|
|
Electrical |
308 |
6 |
|
Aircraft Mechanics |
||
|
Electrical |
273 |
<5 |
|
Electrical Instrumentation |
10 |
<5 |
|
Electronic Security Systems |
5 |
|
|
Instrumentation |
2 |
|
|
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
18 |
<5 |
|
Engineering |
58 |
<5 |
|
Farriery |
||
|
Industrial Insulation |
||
|
Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitting |
15 |
|
|
Metal Fabrication |
22 |
<5 |
|
Pipefitting |
7 |
|
|
Sheet Metalworking |
3 |
|
|
Toolmaking |
11 |
|
|
Motor |
80 |
<5 |
|
Agricultural Mechanics |
6 |
|
|
Construction Plant Fitting |
12 |
|
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
26 |
|
|
Motor Mechanics |
34 |
<5 |
|
Vehicle Body Repairs |
2 |
|
|
Printing & Paper |
0 |
0 |
|
Print Media |
||
|
Total |
601 |
10 |
|
Totals for Pre 2016 Trades |
611a |
522. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices who have taken up full-time employment in Ireland following completion of their programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8640/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of apprentices who have taken up full-time employment in Ireland following completion of their programme is being compiled by SOLAS. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
523. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of new trainers recruited since the inception of the action plan for apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8641/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials are making enquiries in relation to this matter and a response will issue to the Deputy once these enquiries are complete.
524. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on clearance of Covid-related backlog and associated delays in processing new registrations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8642/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprenticeships are employer-led demand-driven programmes that develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the labour market needs. The number of new apprenticeship registrations is, therefore, primarily determined by the level of recruitment of apprentices by employers. The “Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025” sets a target of 10,000 apprentice registrations per annum by 2025. 2021 figures showed a total of 8,607 registrations – an increase of 40% on figures for 2019 (the last full pre-Covid year). Overall, the broader range of apprenticeship offerings and a growth in registrations linked to the re-opening of the economy after the pandemic created an apprentice population of 24,212 by the end of 2021. Strong registrations continued in 2022, with 8,286 registrations and a population of 26,325 at year end. This strong growth in apprenticeship training is very welcome and indeed essential to meeting priority skills needs. The apprenticeship system has, however, been engaging with meeting this greatly increased demand while recovering from the impact of the extended closures of the training system during Covid. These closures created increased waiting lists for off-the-job training phases of craft apprenticeships. There will always be a degree of waiting, due to factors such as term commencement dates in higher education institutions. However, from a usual number of some 3,600 apprentices waiting for placements, there are currently 4,802 apprentices waiting longer than 6 months to access off the job training. This has fallen from 11,200 in 2021. With the commitment of a further €17.2m in capital investment into 2023, increased capacity will continue to be provided and further progress made in reducing waiting lists as much as possible, with those waiting longest being prioritised for placements.
525. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans that exist to introduce a media campaign to attract young people to the construction sector similar to that undertaken for the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8643/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile there is no immediate plan for a similar campaign to that undertaken for the tourism sector, the Department continues to work with partners to plan international recruitment campaigns aimed at the Irish diaspora and skilled construction workers in the European Union and third countries.
In late 2022, a social media campaign was run in Australia. This was aimed at encouraging Irish construction workers home, highlighting the opportunities available here. An in-person recruitment event took place in the UK. Plans are being finalised to hold further online and in-person recruitment events and campaigns in 2023.
In support of these measures, a one-stop-shop webpage and virtual repository of information on living in Ireland and working in construction is available at: https://www.solas.ie/future-building/ to help international workers assess opportunities for living and working in construction in Ireland.
Nationally, the Department is currently commissioning research exploring the barriers to careers in construction and from that research will develop an evidence informed action plan by Q2.
There is much work on national recruitment measures, including through the FutureBuilding initiative with a Construction Work & Skills Week planned for May 2023.
Finally, we wish to note that officials in my Department are having discussions with SOLAS and Department of Social Protection colleagues regarding construction skills communications plans for the coming year.
526. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will examine and review the salary and contracts for local training initiative co-ordinators, given that they have not been reviewed since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8092/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Training Initiatives (LTIs) are training and work experience programmes carried out across the country. They are designed to support unemployed people, facilitating their progression to or towards labour market participation.
These initiatives are run by local community groups and associations. The employment terms and conditions for these staff are a matter for their employers, who are generally relevant community groups and associations.
LTI Co-ordinators are not public servants and as such were not subject to reductions in pay implemented as part of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interests (FEMPI) Act.
527. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a person is entitled to tuition fees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8109/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fee payable by a student can vary depending on a variety of factors including the type of course and the student's access route. The assessment of a student’s application and the determination of the appropriate fee rate is a function of the institution attended.
In terms of tuition fee supports, first time students undertaking a full time undergraduate course may be eligible to have their tuition fees, exclusive of the student contribution, paid on their behalf via my Department's Free Fees Initiative. However, in order to qualify for funding under the Department's Free Fees Initiative, students must meet the criteria of the scheme, including with regard to previous education.
The scheme criteria include a provision that tuition fees will not be paid in respect of students pursuing a second undergraduate course. A key principle of the design of the free fees initiative is to encourage progression, that is, to support students in progressing through a chosen course of study from year to year. As a result, students who have previously undertaken and successfully completed an undergraduate course of study or obtained a higher education qualification are not eligible to undertake a new unrelated course of study and receive tuition fee supports under the FFI.
Additional information on free fees initiative is available at the following location: https://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/course-fees/.
Where students do not qualify for free fees funding they must pay the appropriate fee as determined by each higher education institution. These institutions are autonomous bodies and the level of fee payable by students who do not meet the requirements of the free fees scheme is a matter for the relevant institution to determine. Where a student requires guidance on the determination of such fees it is necessary that a student engage with the fees office of the institution attended.
528. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address a matter regarding outdoor education (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8110/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraKerry Education and Training Board (ETB) traditionally provided an Outdoor and Environmental Education service from the Cappanalea Outdoor Education & Training Centre (OETC) and the Killarney National Park Education Centre on a self-financing basis to schools and youth groups.
In September 2020, Cappanalea OETC was re-designated by Kerry ETB and it became a full Further Education and Training (FET) Campus under Kerry College, which is fully funded by SOLAS. The role of this re-designated Kerry College Killorglin Campus (Outdoor Education and Training) has evolved in line with its strong remit to provide outdoor activity education and training for Kerry. It places particular emphasis on educating and training learners for employment in the Outdoors Activity and Tourism Sector and it also provides upskilling for teachers and youth workers in the area of outdoor education.
Kerry ETB is conscious of current demand for education and training programmes for schools and youth groups. In light of this, it has developed interventions which will provide assistance to schools and youth groups who wish to progress this provision.
In late 2022, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) met with Kerry ETB and it informed Kerry ETB that they would be terminating their agreement to provide environmental education programmes based in the Killarney National Park. The NPWS also informed Kerry ETB that they would be assuming responsibility for providing these environmental education programmes and activities directly.
529. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when a substantive reply will issue to correspondence from this Deputy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8151/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe correspondence referenced by the Deputy was sent by email to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on the 31st January 2023. An acknowledgement receipt was issued by the office of the Minister on the 31st January.
The Department of Further and Higher Education Research, Innovation and Science Customer Service Promise (link here gov.ie - Our customer service promise (www.gov.ie) stipulates that:
"When you write to us, we will:
- aim to acknowledge your communication within five working days of getting it
- provide a final reply within 20 working days
- explain any delay to you before the 20-day period is up
- provide you with full contact details and a reference number, where relevant"
A response will be provided to the correspondence by the 1st March 2023 in line with our customer service promise.
530. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on the implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 by his Department and by agencies which operate under the remit of his Department. [8241/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 (the Act) was enacted on 24th December 2017 and commenced on 23rd December 2020. The Act recognises the right of Irish Sign Language (ISL) users to use ISL as their native language, and to develop and preserve it. The Act places a statutory duty on all public bodies to provide ISL users with free interpretation when availing of or seeking to access statutory entitlements and services. In addition, the Act provides for specific obligations in the areas of legal proceedings, educational provision and broadcasting.
In accordance with section 10 of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (MCEDIY) is required to publish a report on the operation of the Act. In line with this requirement, the National Disability Authority was asked by the MCEDIY to prepare a report on the operation of the Act.The report on the operation of the Act was recently published and can be accessed as follows:
https://nda.ie/publications/report-on-the-operation-of-the-irish-sign-language-act-2017-december-2021.
The report contains two recommendations which are relevant to my Department. Recommendation 1 seeks to review and develop an action plan to increase the supply of interpreters whereas recommendation 4 seeks to determine the number of placements required in higher education institutions to sufficiently provide for ISL training to teachers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and ensure this number of placements are established. Both recommendations require cross departmental support.
Full consideration will be given to the recommendations and the conclusions of the report, including the two recommendations which are relevant to my Department. I understand that inter-departmental engagement will be required to develop whole of government actions to improve the implementation of the Act in the short term and throughout the next reporting period. My department will actively engage in this process in due course.
531. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if it is proposed to increase the number of places on first-year veterinary medicine for Irish students in 2023. [8349/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science does not place a quota on the number of places on veterinary medicine courses offered by higher education institutions, and as such the number of places provided each year is determined by the institutions themselves in line with their capacity.
The HEA is currently running an expression of interest process for Higher Education Institutions interested in building capacity in Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary. This process was designed to respond to national skills needs, and EOIs were sought from institutions with capability to expand existing courses or create new courses in these areas in academic year 2024-25 or 2025-26. I expected to receive a report of the proposals, following stage 2 of the process which involves a review of submissions received by an expert panel.
532. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8460/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the invasion of Ukraine and in line with the European Council Decision on 4 March 2022, the Government is applying rights under the International Protection Act 2015 to those granted temporary protection.
The Act entitles recipients to immediate access to the labour market, along with access to social welfare, accommodation and other State supports including healthcare and education. However, while access to higher education for displaced Ukrainians during the early stages of the response phase was managed on an emergency basis, it is now necessary to move to a more sustainable approach, in line with overall Government policy. As autonomous bodies, admissions policy is a matter for each individual higher education institution (HEIs). Following consultation with the sector, it has been agreed by the Admissions Officers of the HEIs that all Ukrainian students in receipt of Temporary Protection, regardless of whether they plan to sit the Leaving Certificate or wish to apply using their Ukrainian examinations or qualifications, should apply to the Central Applications Office (CAO) at www.cao.ie for a place in higher education in Ireland for the 2023/24 academic year. My officials are finalising the position on the remaining issues, and this will be communicated to stakeholders very shortly.
533. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on SUSI grants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8462/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe nationality requirements for the Student Grant Scheme are set out in Section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulation 5 of the Student Support Regulations 2022. The candidate's nationality or immigration status in the State determines whether or not she or he meets the nationality requirement outlined in the Act and Regulations, and would be therefore eligible to qualify for a student grant.
My understanding is that the majority of persons in the situation outlined by the Deputy are given permission to remain in the State on the basis of a Stamp 4 Visa which, of itself, does not meet the nationality requirements of the Student Grant Scheme 2022.
There is provision for a review of eligibility where a person’s circumstances changes in the academic year. This includes a change in relation to a student's nationality or immigration status. Where a student acquires Irish citizenship by naturalisation, or is granted one of the permission to remain criterion provided for in the Act or Regulations during the course of their studies, she or he may apply to SUSI to have their application re-assessed.
I think it is important that our approach to these issues is equitable, consistent and fully aligned with the intent and purpose of the immigration permissions which are granted to individuals. My Department has liaised, and continues to liaise, with the Department of Justice on this issue.
The issues raised are subject to consideration by my Department as part of the annual options paper which will be prepared in the summer and which sets out the possible policy options and their indicative costs ahead of Budget 2024. At this time it is not possible to pre-empt the outcome of that paper and any measures which may follow.
534. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration is being given to increasing the amount of earnings which are disregarded for students who work during their holidays (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8468/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise that third level education can be a significant cost for families and students.
The main financial support available to students is the Student Grant Scheme. The means-tested Scheme is administered by SUSI on behalf of my Department.
Under the Scheme, "holiday earnings", that is income that a student has earned outside of term time in the previous tax year, can be deducted from the total income assessed, up to a maximum level.
For students in the current academic year the maximum level that could be deducted is €4,500. However, as part of Budget 2023 I secured agreement for a significant increase on this amount. For the 2023/24 academic year, the level will increase to €6,552 which will allow students to work longer hours outside of term time without their student grant eligibility being affected.
It is important to say that the rationale for the policy approach of focusing on earnings outside of term time is to mitigate against students working so much during their third level education that it negatively impacts on their ability to fully participate in their course. This issue was highlighted most recently by the independent review of the Student Grant Scheme, which outlined that while there are many benefits to students engaging in some forms of employment, it is also important to recognise that working excessive hours can negatively impact a student's education experience and may result in them dropping out.
535. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of receipts collected from the National Training Fund levy for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8644/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Training Fund (NTF) Levy is collected by the Department of Social Protection through the PRSI system and remitted to the NTF on a monthly basis in arrears.
During 2022 there were 12 receipts totaling c.€950 million to the NTF from the Department of Social Protection.
It should be noted that this is a provisional income figure which will be finalised in the 2022 Financial Statements for the National Training Fund in due course.
536. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount expended on advertising and promotion in his Department and all agencies under the remit of his Department in 2022 and in January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8687/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department spent € 38,095.49 on advertising and promotion in 2022. There was no expenditure on advertising and promotion in January 2023.
The information in respect of the state bodies within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document should the Deputy wish to contact them directly with this query.
Contact E-Mail Addresses for State Bodies under the Remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
|
Name of Body |
Dedicated Email address for the Members of the Oireacthas |
Designated Official Responsible for assisting Oireachtas Members |
|
Higher Education Authority |
Oireachtas@hea.ie |
Padraic Mellett* |
|
Irish Research Council( Note 1) |
Oireachtas@research.ie |
Padraic Mellett* |
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
Communications@ggda.ie |
nora.rahill@ggda.ie |
|
SOLAS |
oireachtasinfo@solas.ie |
Maria Walsh maria.walshe@solas.ie |
|
Skillnets Ltd |
oireachtas@skillnets.com |
t.donnery@skillnets.com |
|
Quality and Qualifications Ireland |
ceo@qqi.ie |
ceo@qqi.ie |
|
Léargas – The Exchange Bureau |
oireachtas@leargas.ie |
fbroughan@leargas.ie |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
ciara.cotter@sfi.ie |
Ciara Cotter |
Note 1 – In regard to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Irish Research Council (IRC) as the IRC operates under the auspices of the HEA. Mr Mellett will address Oireachtas queries for both the HEA and IRC. Please use Oireachtas@hea.ie and Oireachtas@research.ie respectively to contact Mr Mellett.
537. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of communications staff currently employed in his Department; the cost of these staff for 2022; the expected cost for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8704/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently a total of 6 persons working in the Department’s Communications Unit. The breakdown of the staff grades is given below.
|
Grade |
Number of staff |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
2 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
In 2022, there was a total of 5 persons working in the Department’s Communications Unit. The breakdown of the staff grades is given below.
|
Grade |
Number of staff |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
2 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2 (1 until August 2022) |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
Pay scales for these grades is available at https://assets.gov.ie/236885/9297fe4a-4bbf-4506-9dec-ea3dd753ff2e.pdf.
